Subject-Verb Agreement

Front

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Back

Subject-Verb Agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its verb.

Front

When do we use 'is' in a sentence?

Back

We use 'is' when the subject is singular.

Front

When do we use 'are' in a sentence?

Back

We use 'are' when the subject is plural.

Front

What is the rule for subjects joined by 'and'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'and', they typically take a plural verb.

Front

What is the rule for subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Front

What is the effect of phrases like 'as well as' on subject-verb agreement?

Back

Phrases like 'as well as' do not change the number of the subject; the verb agrees with the main subject.

Front

What is the rule for collective nouns?

Back

Collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals.

Front

What is the rule for indefinite pronouns like 'each' and 'everyone'?

Back

Indefinite pronouns like 'each' and 'everyone' are always singular and take a singular verb.

Front

What is the rule for 'neither/nor' constructions?

Back

In 'neither/nor' constructions, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

Front

What is the rule for 'either/or' constructions?

Back

In 'either/or' constructions, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.